He was a journeyman player.
He never played a full season in the NHL.
He struggled to adapt to Pittsburgh's defensive style of play, which played a key role in the team's decision not to bring him back when he became a free agent.
He was a healthy scratch for the Red Wings Stanley Cup championship run (1998).
He was sent to the minors for the first time in his final NHL season.

Why he might not be annoying

He was born on Christmas Day.
He was a member of the Unified Team that won a gold medal at the Albertville Olympics (1992).
He earned a Stanley Cup ring with the Red Wings, despite being a healthy scratch (1998).
He played alongside his brother, Boris, for the Soviet and Russian national teams.
He was one of the first players to play for the World All-Star team at the NHL All-Star Game (1998).